I hadn’t realised it was necessary to have an approved flying school.
It is more appropriate to say an approved training organisation rather than flying school. It is possible to do the PPL theory at an ATO that doesn't do the flying training - just check with them for their ATO number. I believe all on that list I put up have ATO status and can undertake the exams which isn't a problem.
What is possibly of more concern is
plan to finish my PPL in Europe
with
South Africa in the 90’s. Since then, whilst going in and out of flying hours without completing the license
might mean that not all of your flying training will count towards the 45 required.